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Panthers GM Leaves No Doubt About Future of Aaron Ekblad & Sam Bennett

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Mar 17, 2025 7:45 AM ET

Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito has revealed the franchise's position with regards to two top-tier free agents months ahead of the offseason.

Zito made clear he has no intention of letting pest forward Sam Bennett or suspended defenseman Aaron Ekblad test the open market when free agency opens on July 1.

During an appearance on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, Zito was asked whether the Panthers could retain both players despite the recent addition of star defenseman Seth Jones in a blockbuster trade with the Chicago Blackhawks.

“Yes, yes,” Zito said. “I don’t think (Jones' addition)—at least from my math, which I’ve done too many times—it doesn’t impact those two, so we can get it done.”

When pressed further on whether he expects either player to reach free agency, Zito shut down the idea.

“No, but I’m not really going to talk about that,” Zito said. “But (Jones') acquisition does not preclude us from either one or both.”

Bennett, 28, has 22 goals and 45 points this season in 66 games played and is in the final campaign of a four-year, $17.7 million contract carrying a $4.425 million cap hit.

Ekblad, 28, remains a top defenseman for the Panthers (he's scored 33 points in just 56 games) but is currently serving a 20-game suspension. His eight-year, $60 million contract, which carries a $7.5 million cap, also expires this summer.

NHL franchises are allowed to sign pending free agents to contract extensions between the end of the Stanley Cup playoffs and the start of free agency on July 1.

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, reporting during Sportsnet's "Saturday Headlines," the Panthers have already resumed contract talks with Bennett.

“Sam Bennett, as it stands right now, would be one of the biggest free agents available on July 1 if he gets there,” Friedman said. “The word in the press box Thursday night as Florida played in Toronto was that talks have resumed between Bennett and the Panthers.

”They are trying, and it’s been a very good marriage between player and team.”

The Panthers are coming off winning the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history last season and hold the first spot in the Atlantic Division with a 41-24-3 record and 85 points through 68 games.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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